PHOTO: Three foreign nationals have been detained by the police in connection with the murder of Themba Mothibi, the owner of the By Hoek Lounge, in Phahameng, Bloemfontein.

Three foreign nationals have been detained by the police in connection with the murder of Themba Mothibi, the owner of the By Hoek Lounge, in Phahameng, Bloemfontein. Mothibi was killed while he was shutting his bar at around 1:00 in the morning, he was shot multiple times.

Free State police say Mothibi was shot while closing the outlet. 

He apparently stopped a fight earlier in the evening but it's unknown whether the incidents are related.

“It is alleged Phiri was busy closing the outlet when the suspect approached him and shot him several times. One bystander was hit by a bullet .

“Police at Mangaung were called to the scene and a hunt for the suspect ensued. The 30-year-old male was traced and arrested in Mafora, Mangaung. Two other suspects aged 26 and 33 were arrested as accomplices to the murder,” said police spokesperson Lt-Col Thabo Covane,

Cases of murder and attempted murder were opened at Mangaung police station.

VIDEO HERE